Independence Day is synonymous with late nights, fireworks, bonfires and catching lightning bugs. But when it comes to fireworks, I have to admit, kids and fireworks have always made me nervous.
Instead, my family chooses to watch fireworks from a distance, usually at one of the many 4th of July fireworks celebrations that take place at one of the local parks. And, our family celebrates at home with crafts and recipes that remind us to be thankful for our freedom. This Fourth of July, be safe and try something new in celebration with the family.
4th of July Slime
Ingredients
- 5 ounces of white glue
- Liquid starch or borax
- Food coloring (red and blue)
- Glitter (optional)
- Cups and craft sticks for mixing
Mix a tablespoon of water, glue, food coloring and glitter in a bowl or plastic cup. Begin adding the borax or liquid starch, stirring and adding till you reach the desired consistency. Repeat two more times for a red batch, blue batch and leave one white. Once all three are complete, mix the three together for a red, white and blue Fourth of July slime.
Patriotic Windsock
Ingredients
- One 6” embroidery hoop
- Swivel clasp or ‘S’ hook with twine
- Ribbon (skinny, thick, tulle, whatever you can find in the sewing/craft box)
- Hot glue gun/glue
Trim a variety of skinny and thick strands to 1.5 to 2 feet in length. Use red, white, blue, silver and any other color that feels patriotic to you. Tie around the embroidery hoop or hot glue to the inside of the hoop, then hang outside with twine and clasp or ‘S’ hook and watch the colors blow in the breeze.
Red, White and Blue Chocolate Bark
Ingredients
- 16 ounces white candy melts
- 6 ounces blue candy melts
- 6 ounces red candy melts
- Red and blue M&Ms
- Red and blue sprinkles
- Feel free to grab any other festive candy to add into the mix
Line a 9×13 pan with aluminum foil and add a light cooking spray on the foil. Melt the white candy melts in a double boiler or microwave. Separately, melt the red and blue candy melts in the same way. Line the bottom of the pan with your white candy melt, and drizzle the red and blue over the top. You can use a wooden skewer or butter knife to mix and swirl, creating a firework pattern. Once you’re happy with your design, sprinkle your additional candy on top and refrigerate for one to two hours until hardened. Break into pieces, creating the “bark” texture.
Brownie & Fruit Kebabs
Easy to make with little ones and a yummy treat for friends and family celebrating the Fourth! Feel free to get creative. Do the kids prefer raspberries or cherries over strawberries? Go for it!
Ingredients
- Brownie mix (baked, cooled and cut into small squares)
- Strawberries
- Blueberries
- Marshmallows
- Skewers
Thread the fruit, marshmallows and brownie bites onto the skewers in whatever pattern you choose. You can even drizzle with chocolate sauce before serving for an extra sweet flavor.
